The filly immediately dives behind Astarot's legs, and the titan is forced to hide a smile as he thinks of his own children doing similar things when they were young. He wants to tell her that she needn't worry, that he is not the sort of man to ever harm a child, but he doesn't want to take that sense of fear away from her. At her age, in this strange land, it's best for her to be wary, best for her to use her father as a pillar of strength the same way Volterra is for his almighty brood. As she ghosts underneath Astarot and peers up at him, he does try to plaster on a reassuring smile, but it's hard to smooth those stern, rugged features of his into anything less than fearsome. Vadir twirls her tail in subtle appreciation of the blue dragon's submission, but otherwise shows no reaction to her surroundings save for those eyes of hers which bore relentlessly into the filly. Maybe she's showing more interest in his descendants now because she has her own family, and is trying to pick up tips. Volterra doubts it, though. More likely she's simply hunting for weaknesses to mock and exploit. It also does not escape the great warlord's attention that Astarot stiffens, tensing in preparation to protect his daughter; it is met with a look of approval from the Indomitable, and any fears that his son may be a poor father are quickly extinguished. Astarot seems protective, loving and attentive, all things that demonstrate his ability as a sire. "Congratulations, Astarot. You will make a fine father." That thick, rumbling voice of his is soft as he seeks to touch his nose to his son's neck, a gesture of mutual respect and true delight for Astarot's new family. In these hard, troubled times, it's sights like this that warm the cockles of his dead heart. Then, the kindly expression on his face turns into something akin to mischief. "And congratulations on bedding a woman - you truly are my son." He flashes a grin, trying to keep his voice low and away from Sarika's innocent young ears. Astarot introduces the girl and his words cause a swell of pride in Volterra's stomach, not to mention a visible preen from Vadir. "Hello, Sarika," he rumbles, lowering his great skull to try and blow gently into her nostrils in greeting. |
@Sarika